Life is a Ride…In Germany

I was invited to a family BBQ in Germany. I live in Southern California. Not a problem!

My friend, the talented musician, film composer and singer Andreas “Zippy” Betten, invited me to Sunday BBQ  just as I was about to fly to Frankfurt for a 4-day progressive horseback trail ride through the beautiful Westerwald region of Germany.

I arrived at Frankfurt airport Sunday morning, quickly passed through customs, only to wait longer for my luggage, and then bought a ticket for a high-speed ICE train.  OK, I knew I was already certifiably BONKERS over transportation via the Tube, which is my MOST favorite thing when in London. So, it’s really no surprise that I quickly became enamored with the ICE as well!

I’d have another opportunity to indulge in my new ICE craze later on, but right now, I was more focused on meeting Andreas and his family!

I first came to know Andreas from the varied assortment of projects that he is attached to. My original favorite is his joint success with Olaf Wollschläger as music duo Vorsprung durch Technik.

Yello fans may be familiar with this RARE remix by Vorsprung durch Technik that you can listen to right now:

Vicious Games 12″ Mix (Hardfloor Vs. Yello) by Vorsprung Durch Technik

or if you’re a fan of BBC’s Doctor Who, check out my YouTube video with my favorite Vorsprung durch Technik song, “Blink”:  Blink – Doctor Who vs Vorsprung durch Technik.

Andreas Betten plays it all and a few of my other favorite and notable projects of his include:

• Guitar, trumpet, keyboards with the Alternative/Rock/Gothic/80′s sound of They Fade in Silence and their decades awaited epic CD release, Apologies…Are Hard to Find.
• Guitar, singer with Poppiloten, music for children with debut CD, Eigener Verein featuring “Angst ” and “Immer, Immer, Immer”, both of which reached  No. 1 on the Lilipuz charts.
• And most recently, Rings of Fire, another successful pairing of electronic and vocals talent with Andreas Krüger (aka Der Dritte Raum).

I get to Düsselfdorf area right on time and after a warm welcome from Andreas and family, some chit chat and a visit to a nearby ranch for a little horsey warm-up ride in the countryside, we’re ready for ein Bier and a BBQ!

Which brings me now to my first unforgettable picture moment since arriving in Germany. Andreas had mentioned he might use a hair-dryer to get the coals ready, but I didn’t think he was serious! Well here’s the evidence!

[note:  throughout this blog click on pics for larger version]

Musician Andreas Betten composing the perfect hot medley of coals with a hair-dryer

What’s this!? Is this how they grill in Germany? I’ve never seen that back home in California! I did a little research and found this link, The Best Way to Start BBQ Coals! Hmmpf, looks like I must’ve fallen off the BBQ Bandwagon!

The BBQ, meal and evening was absolutely wonderful. I am entirely humbled again by the fabulous warmth and generosity of my German friends. I am reminded of last year when I met Silke and her family in Berlin (see Berlin Blog) and now again with meeting Andreas and his beautiful family…I must say that German people are an absolute treasure, and pleasure to be acquainted with.

The next day, Andreas took me into Köln (Cologne) for lunch and a few hours of sightseeing.  Here is the infamous Früh where locals say every visitor to the city must eat at least one meal here to get a flavor of Cologne:

Lunch and Kölsch (beer) at Früh

Next we walked along the Rhine River.  This is the most heavily used railway bridge in Germany, connecting the stations Köln Hauptbahnhof and Köln Messe/Deutz with each other:

Hohenzollernbrücke (Hohenzollern bridge) over the Rhein River

Pegel Köln water gauge stands in the old town of Köln (Cologne) and measures the water level on the Rhein River:

Pegel Köln water gauge

Great St. Martin Church:

Great St. Martin Church along the Rhein Riverwalk

The Kölner Philharmonie where one is not permitted to walk across the open red-bricked plaza during a concert because it echoes down to the performance below:

Kölner Philharmonie with Kölner Dom behind

Living Statues.  These silver people stay perfectly still until you tip them and then they’ll move!

(click pic for larger view!)

Living Statue People in Köln - This couple were phenomenal!!

Cologne Cathedral is a World Heritage Site and one of the best-known architectural monuments in Germany. As Cologne‘s most famous landmark, described by UNESCO as an “exceptional work of human creative genius”, it is visited by 20 thousand people every day.

Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral)

Inside Cologne Cathedral

Inside Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral) - The nave looking East

This “swallows’ nest” organ was built into the gallery in 1998, to celebrate the cathedral’s 700 years. It was constructed at the east end of the nave on the north wall, which is considered an excellent location for organs in Gothic cathedrals.The nave organ has Great, Swell, Back Positive, and Pedal divisions, 3,963 pipes and 53 stops.

Inside Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral) - Nave organ.

The most celebrated work of art in the cathedral is the Shrine of the Three Kings, a large gilded sarcophagus dating from the 13th century, and the largest reliquary in the Western world. It is traditionally believed to hold the remains of the Three Wise Men, whose bones and 2,000-year-old clothes were discovered at the opening of the shrine in 1864.

The Shrine of the Three Kings (Kölner Dom)

See more pics in my Köln (Cologne) photo album.

Before I knew it, it was time to say goodbye to lovely Andreas who suggested I take a slower regional train in order to enjoy scenic views of the Rhine and Lahn rivers on the way to my next destination, Limburg an der Lahn.

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Limburg is one of a handful of towns where almost every medieval building has survived intact. The entire central area between the cathedral and the 600 year old Lahn bridge stands under historic preservation. Visible for miles around, Limburg Dom (Limburg Cathedral) is a masterpiece of late-Romanesque architecture with a distinctive facade of red and white that dominates the old quarter.

Limburg Dom (Limburg Cathedral) overlooking the River Lahn

I had a day and a half to sight-see Limburg and couldn’t wait to wander around this Disney-like town with it’s narrow streets and half-timbered houses.

The Altstadt (Old Town) is full of narrow streets with timber-frame houses, dating mainly from the 17th and 18th centuries

Next day around noon (jet-lag still lurking!!) I had my first meal of the day at an ice cream specialty cafe. A Cappuccino and a Crepe with warm apfelmus (applesauce).

For the next 5 hours I walked all over Limburgh and took tons of pics! Pics of half-timbered buildings and related detail like doors, streets and cobblestones. Here’s just a few favs:

Did I mention the Altstadt (Old Town) has narrow streets?

Did I mention Limburg is Disney-like?

Eventually, my lower back complaining and appetite competing for attention, I found a Bitburger place for a large beer and warm baguette mit Peperoni und Käse. OMG! It was huge, hot, gooey, cheesy and perfect with the beer. I devoured both! Had a baileys coffee after. Ahhh-h-h, Vacations are great!

Next day I came across this fountain memorial. In the 14th century Friedrich von Hattstein was appointed governor of the city and was feared for his strength because he could lift a wine barrel and drink from it.

Hattstein Memorial water fountain for former robber baron Friedrich von Hattstein.

While the most touristy part of Limburg has cute specialty shops, just a few streets away there is a modern shopping strip near the Rathaus (Town Hall) with major outlets (H&M) etc.

Limburg is celebrating 1100 years (910-2010)!

Can you believe (pic above) that Limburg is celebrating 1100 Years in 2010?

Pusteblume (Dandelion) Fountain and St. Anna-Kirche (church)

While I paused for a break and enjoyed the Dandelion fountain pictured above, I spied this little charmer down at my feet… (don’t forget to click the pic for a bigger bug view! )

A Forest Shield Bug of the Pentatomidae family. Common in central Europe and British Isles

No visit to Limburg is complete without a stop at the Cathedral also known as Georgsdom or Limburger Dom after its dedication to Saint George. I realized almost too late that I hadn’t worked my way up to the Dom yet, but just as I did these amazing, lovely bells began ringing.  I took a three minute vid to capture the sound as I walked up to it…the bells rang on for about 10 minutes!!

Limburger Dom (Limburg Cathedral), one of the most complete creations of Late Romanesque architecture

Another must-see in Limburg is to walk along the riverside of the Lahn for views of  natural art exhibitions, swans, longboat canoers and paddle wheels:

The River Lahn and Old Lahn Bridge

Along the Lahn Riverwalk there was an Art Exhibition that used the natural elements to blend in the displays.

Kunst am Fluss - Kunst im Fluss (Art on the River - Art in the river)

Plus other river related sights:

Lahn Riverwalk

Longboat canoers:

Lahn Riverwalk

Oh look another ICE Train reference below! Stay tuned for my big ICE Train finale!

Lahn Valley Bridge on the A3, behind is the ICE bridge and in foreground is a campground

Color Mill Wheel

Farbmühle

And on the last morning after sight-seeing all of Limburg and the river Lahn, here’s a lovely blue-sky view from my hotel room.

Limburger Dom (Limburg Cathedral) - Saint George's

See more pics in my Limburg an der Lahn photo album.

Woo-Hoo!! Next up is my much anticipated Germany Equestrian Adventure! The last time I took an equestrian vacation was in 2000 at the Castle Leslie Estate in County Monaghan, Ireland. Yes, I’d say I was long overdue!!

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Unlike my trip in Ireland where we stayed at the centre the entire week and rode our horses into the surrounding estate grounds for daily cross-country jumping and gallops, this Germany trip was a 4 day, Progressive Drei-Täler-Trail (3-Valley-Ride).  I had selected this trip from HiddenTrails.com, a great internet provider of premier equestrian vacations world-wide, plus more!

Our fearless trail guide for the 3 Valley Ride was Jens Hammer who arrived in Limburg to collect me and another rider (Sara from New Zealand) to take us to the home ranch at Hofgut Molsberg for an overnight stay.

Street View of Hofgut Molsberg

Hofgut Molsberg is a fabulous facility with simple, clean, warm accommodations and shower, a banquet hall, private home, large stable and extensive pastures.

Entrance to Hofgut Molsberg - Wanderreiten (Trail-Riding) im Westerwald und Taunus

My equestrian partner “Amel” is out there in that pasture!

The Pastures at Hofgut Molsberg

oh, a little filly!  Check her out in action! Filly Fun Video

Family Life at Hofgut Molsberg

3 Valley Ride: Day 1 – Three other german riders arrived in the morning (Michelle, Rica, and Björn) and after fetching our horses from the field, grooming, tacking, plus a short lesson on how to properly roll up oilskin duster/raincoats to tie down behind our saddles, we set off for a 4-6 hour ride into the Westerwald region.

We were scheduled to stop every 90 minutes for a break and be met by Klaus who not only had our luggage with him in his van but had also stocked some refreshments for us.

Within the first 90 minutes into the ride Sara’s horse had gone lame.  We were delayed as Jens made arrangements to have another horse swapped in. When we set off again we were very behind schedule and in order to reach our first overnight stop before dark, we rode straight on with no more breaks. Along the way we were overtaken by a heavy rain and stopped long enough to unroll and put on the oilskin rain dusters to keep ourselves and our saddles dry. When the rain stopped we made up some time with breath-taking gallops through glistening rain soaked green meadows!  That first day we were also treated to the sights of a herd of deer running across the hill before us and also a large European brown hare that gave us a wide berth.

At 7 pm we had reached the Bruchhäuser Mühle…

Dinnertime - End of Day 1

…where we enjoyed a fabulous Inn-style dinner together and comfortable rooms to recover overnight.  I was expecting to be sore from riding but found that although my muscles were not really aching, my poor seat bones were quite tender! Even sitting down on a soft bed was to be done with caution!  I decided a couple Motrin tablets would help take the edge off.  I tried not to think about having to sit in that hard saddle for another 4-6 hour ride the next day.

Start of Day 2 - Bruchhäuser Mühle

3 Valley Ride: Day 2 – The next morning arrived quickly.  After breakfast together we set off and began a steep climb up through wooded terrain to skirt along near the top of the ridge with a dizzying slope down our right side.  Seeing the steep slope from our narrow trail, we couldn’t help but recall that famous scene from “The Man from Snowy River” known simply as, ”The Descent” (watch first 40 secs):

Oddly, no one opted to take the “The Snowy River” shortcut so we took the long way down into the next valley. And a good thing too, since that meant we could delight in this picturesque view of Obernhof:

Obernhof - In the distance is Cloister of Anstein

We ended up going right down through Obernhof using that center road pictured above. Then spent a good portion of the day going in and out, back and forth and within a river creek that substituted as our trail. The creek was shallow enough and Jens kept us out of the deep parts but it also had a VERY rocky bottom. Getting into the river meant facing the horse straight down the muddy bank and letting them slide their way down and in. Getting out meant just hang on as they clamber out!

At one point a 10 cm branch was blocking our path about chest-high on the horses.  Most obstructions we would squeeze under, over or around as needed but this time Jens took a few minutes to saw through it with his utility knife.

This day was full of “Situations” (a fast-becoming familiar phrase of Jens’) and I had a full appreciation of how very fit and safe his horses were. They knew their job and were pros!

We stopped for a hearty lunch at Mittelmühle.  Later that afternoon I remember thinking perhaps I shouldn’t have ate so much… as we were galloping hell-bent-for-leather during our fastest gallop yet! Yee-Haw!

Even with our fast gallops it was dusk when we reached the very tiny village of Bärbach. Tiny Bärbach consists of 5 homes and 16 residents. I am soon thrilled to know that we will stay here for two nights!  My internet connection on my iPhone was random at best, suddenly I felt like I was truly on a remote vacation from my normal daily life. Our wonderful host, Christoph (not sure I have his name spelled right) fixed delicious home-made dinners and desserts for us.

Fabulous host in Bärbach - Christoph

My favorite that Christoph made was the Frankfurter specialty, Grüne Soße. I found the perfect description of this delicious, locally found dish here –>  Frankfurt on Foot City Guide: Frankfurt Grüne Sosse or Green Sauce and a nice photo that portrays this dish perfectly:

Grüne Soße (Green Sauce) - © Klaus-Uwe Gerhardt pixelio.de

3 Valley Ride: Day 3 – We took a break from the previous two days’ riding schedule.  After a leisurely start we ride a short 90 minutes to have lunch at the foot of Burg Hohlenfels. We stopped for some pictures along the way:

Wanderreiten in Deutschland ist prima!

Burg Hohlenfels (Castle) in the distance

While the horses took an extended break:

Day 3 - Lunch Break

I enjoyed another German specialty:

Spiegeleier mit rohen Schinken = YUMMY!

After a long lunch we headed back to Bärbach, stopping along the way at Schauferts Brewery for a couple Biers!  I can see one of our horses in the background is wishing he could join us!!

Courtyard at Schauferts Brewery

I had ein helles Bier und ein dunkles Bier:

Schauferts- Hell und Schauferts-Dunkel

Yep, Vacations are Grand!

3 Valley Ride: Day 4 – For our last day we were back on schedule with another 4-6 hour ride ahead of us because this time we needed to go all the way back to our origination point of Molsberg. We took as much of a direct route as possible in order to cover about 30 km or 18 miles before dark.

In the morning we rode through lovely Balduinstein

Balduinstein on der Lahn river

and stopped for a break

Day 4 - Morning Break in Balduinstein

By Day 4 me and my seat bones were finally in the groove and it was a great final ride!  After our break in Balduinstein there was a steep hill range we had to cross. Jens said we needed to do this starting at a trot (to make it easier for the horses than walking up), then switch to a gallop…while on a narrow path no wider than a picnic table. And we had to do this singularly without stopping on the way up. Jens said just give (loosen) completely with the reins, hang on to our horse’s mane midway up and rise out of the saddle off their backs. Similar to how we got out of the river each time on Day 2, but this was a longer steep uphill stretch, with serpentine-switchback turns through bushes and trees, and all to be done at speed.

My horse Amel was a beauty! All the horses did great, although puffing, as we took a quick break at the top.  A great excuse to check out the view of nearby Schloss (Castle) Schaumburg!

Schloß Schaumburg (Castle) in the distance

Towards the end of the day as we were almost back at Molsberg, we had a couple of special fast gallops; one was a race up a grassy meadow, and the other a final mad dash in the woods with hooves clattering loudly and flinging bits of hard mud everywhere!!! WOW what a great time that was! I think I need to continue to see the rest of the world via horseback!

See more pics in my Drei-Täler-Trail (3-Valley-Ride) photo album.

Jens Hammer - Fantastic horse trail guide! (http://www.derwanderreiter.de)

The next day we said our goodbyes as Jens dropped Sara and I off at the Limburg Süd station to catch our flights out of Frankfurt.

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As my Germany trip was coming to an end and while waiting for my ICE train, I had time to indulge in watching other ICE trains in action. Standing at the station when these trains blow through at speed will provide enough of a thrill to give you goosebumps and make your hairs stand on end!

Limburg Süd station is the only railway station in Germany at which exclusively high-speed rail ICE trains stop.

The Limburg Süd station has four tracks in total. Two tracks are equipped with a platform while the other two allow through trains to pass the station unobstructed at speeds of up to 300 km/h. That’s 186 MPH!!!

Here’s three excellent vids to demonstrate for you now… the one …the only… ICE Train!

First listen to the cool sound (at about 10 sec) of one departing, no wait, that would be…ACCELERATING from Limburg Süd. I think it’s trying to lift off!  Select to watch in HD!

 

Here’s one passing through Limburg Süd station at speed!

 

And because I don’t want you to leave until you get a truer sense of the sheer RUSH one feels as these trains fly by at 300 km/186 mph, here’s an excellent vid with just a single word of German commentary…“Scheiße!!” (Shit!!).

What would YOU say if you were the one taking this video??

Yow-Zah! That train sounds more like a Jet, eh??

For a different perspective, I filmed this from inside the ICE Train… which were also my last views of Germany before flying off to England.

Thanks for being my passenger as I discover that “Life is a Ride”.

Myrtle Beach Adventures

I went to Myrtle Beach this summer for a small family reunion that included my Dad, his sister and some of her family.

In order to maximize our time together, we rented a 5-bedroom ocean-front condo for the week.  That alone would’ve sufficed to make my trip complete!  ;-)

South Wind On the Ocean Condominiums- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

But even better was the weather forecast for the week.  Those who know me…know that I *LOVE* thunderstorms so even though this is a beach vacation, I didn’t mind at all that rain and T-storms had been forecasted.  I say, “Bring IT” !!

Lightening Strike - Myrtle Beach, SC

(By the way, click on any image through-out this blog to see a larger image)

But we still had plenty of sunshine and hot days.  Here’s the view from our 14th floor balcony.

View of North Myrtle Beach, SC

View south - Myrtle Beach, SC

We had some activities lined up for the week but right away I found myself with some spare hours so I checked out Broadway at the Beach, the largest festival entertainment complex in South Carolina.  It has shops, dining, entertainment and really cool ways to play!!

Here’s some pics from Broadway at The Beach:

Ruh-oh, I see a little girl enchanted by Gene …

KISS Coffeehouse - Broadway at the Beach

Duck Family - Broadway at the Beach

Awww…this little cutie is precious!  (Don’t forget you can click the pic to Super-size!)

Duckling - Broadway at the Beach

So, check THIS out a Rope course and Zip-Line!!  I didn’t try this myself but I was happy to take some pics of the next guy who did!

Wonderworks Zip Line & Ropes Course - Broadway at the Beach

Wonderworks Zip Line & Ropes Course - Broadway at the Beach

Wonderworks Zip Line & Ropes Course - Broadway at the Beach

The next day, some of us decided to join my dad, who likes casino gambling, for a 5-hour cruise aboard the Big “M” Casino.

Big "M" Gambling Casino Cruise - Little River, SC

The ship has to go 3 miles out into International waters before casino gambling is permitted.  So, I took the opportunity to get some scenic shots:

South Carolina State Flag on the bow - Big "M" Gambling Casino Cruise - Little River, SC

Big "M" Gambling Casino Cruise - Little River, SC

Wave Runners - Little River Inlet, SC

Myrtle Beach also has a lot of Live Theatre Variety Shows and one evening we went to the Alabama Theatre to see ONE The Show.  A fabulous fun, family variety show!

The next day I was very excited because I had booked a Sandy Island Nature Preserve kayak tour with Black River Outdoors.  Although I wondered how anyone could pass up such an experience, it seemed the rest of the family was more interested in either Golfing (Myrtle Beach is HUGE!!! for the Golfers!!), soaking up the sun down on the beach, or watching Wimbledon on TV.  So I headed off early in the morning and drove south to Murrels Inlet.

The tour group is welcomed by our guides Paul and Julie and after we head out on the gorgeous glass-surface of Waccamaw River…

Waccamaw River & Sandy Island kayak tour

And incredible views of the riverbank lined with trees and hanging spanish moss.

Hanging Spanish Moss - Waccamaw River & Sandy Island kayak tour

More kayak perspective views…

Waccamaw River & Sandy Island kayak tour

Waccamaw River & Sandy Island kayak tour

I have only been kayaking once before (in the ocean off Monterey, California) and that experience put me up close to Sea Otters and Sea Lions.  This time was equally rewarding for spotting the local wildlife.  We gave a wide berth past an Osprey nest way up high and then thrilled at the sight and sounds when the parent brought breakfast to its chicks!!

We also spotted Fiddler crabs, and a Swallow-tailed Kite!

Paul, our guide kept pointing out an alligator or two, to us, that were always a fair distance away… so I can’t say that I actually saw one.  :-(

But Paul came through in another BIG way later near the end of our tour.  But before that, and after paddling for a couple hours, we stopped on a small river bank beach for a stretch and some lunch.

Lunch Break - Sandy Island kayak tour

So Lunch break is over and we head back to finish our tour.  Suddenly, Paul sees a black snake swimming in the river.  He paddles after it, and just about midway across the river, he calls out that he has the snake and if anyone in the group would like to see it,  then we need to paddle over quickly to him since he is now unable to paddle back whilst he has snake in hand!!  ;-)

So a few of us quickly put our kayaks into warp speed to catch up to Paul. We all admire the Eastern Indigo Snake which is classified as federally threatened and is protected.  Although historically the Eastern Indigo inhabited South Carolina down thru southern Georgia, Florida, into south Alabama and southwest Mississippi. Today it is known only to naturally occur in southern Georgia and Florida.  You can imagine that Paul’s verified and recorded sighting of this endangered snake in South Carolina is really fantastic!!  I am thrilled to have been there!!

Here’s some photos with the wonderfully docile, nonpoisonous black beauty:

Eastern Indigo Snake - Black River Outdoors Kayak Tour w/guides Paul & Julie

Eastern Indigo Snake - Black River Outdoors Kayak Tour w/guide Paul

Wow!  So Far Myrtle Beach has been a great vacation!

Back at the condo, At night we would sit on the balcony and talk while listening to the waves and watching people on the beach with their flashlights. It was the week approaching the 4th of July and there were often little fireworks displays.  But what was most memorable was when we were treated to a wonderful performance from a flame juggler,  Here’s a pic followed by a video that I took:

"Rings of Fire" Flame Juggler Performer - Myrtle Beach, SC

Click to Play video

On one of our last days my Dad and I visited nearby Brookgreen Gardens.  Brookgreen Gardens is a non-profit garden museum, that preserves the native flora and fauna and display objects of art within a natural setting. It is also a National Historic Landmark with the most significant collection of figurative sculpture in an outdoor setting by American artists in the world and has the only zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums on the coast of the Carolinas.

Here’s a sundial.  Do you know what time it is in this picture?

"Time and The Fates of Man" - Brookgreen Gardens

It’s just past 11 am!

(11:10 AM) "Time and The Fates of Man" - Brookgreen Gardens

There were many beautiful sculptures of all sizes:

Brookgreen Gardens - Sculpture Garden

Brookgreen Gardens - Murrells Inlet, SC

Brookgreen Gardens - Murrells Inlet, SC

Brookgreen Gardens, Murrels Inlet, SC

And of course this IS a Garden after all, so…

250 year old old Live Oak Allee - Brookgreen Gardens

Time for a butterfly! (Click on pic to see detail)

Brookgreen Gardens - Murrells Inlet, SC

Brookgreen Gardens - Murrells Inlet, SC

Brookgreen Gardens - Murrells Inlet, SC

Brookgreen Gardens - Murrells Inlet, SC

Brookgreen Gardens - Murrells Inlet, SC

Cardinal - Brookgreen Gardens

Brookgreen Gardens also has Trekker Excursions!  ”Travel back in time in a custom all-terrain vehicle and discover tthe history of former rice plantations found in the Preserve.”

Lowcountry Trekker Excursion - Brookgreen Gardens

Avenue of Historic Live Oaks - Lowcountry Trekker Excusion, Brookgreen Gardens

Panoramic view of the Wacamaw River - Lowcountry Trekker Excusion, Brookgreen Gardens

Historic Rice Mill Chimney - Lowcountry Trekker Excusion, Brookgreen Gardens

Plantation Cemetery - Lowcountry Trekker Excusion, Brookgreen Gardens

After the Trekker excursion, there was just one more thing to check out, the Brookgreen Gardens ZOO!!  Again, for those that know me, I *LOVE* animals!  Here’s just a few:

Cattle Egret - The Lowcountry Zoo at Brookgreen Gardens

Black-crowned Night Heron; The Lowcountry Zoo at Brookgreen Gardens

Otter - The Lowcountry Zoo at Brookgreen Gardens

North American Alligator - The Lowcountry Zoo at Brookgreen Gardens

I recommend clicking this next pic for bigger view!

Red Fox - The Lowcountry Zoo at Brookgreen Gardens

Hawk - The Lowcountry Zoo at Brookgreen Gardens

And I think this photo of the American Bald Eagle, our national bird and emblem of the United States, is a great way to end this blog!

Bald Eagle - The Lowcountry Zoo at Brookgreen Gardens

I had a wonderful time during our family reunion in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, although I never did get used to being called Ma’am so often!

Thanks for stopping by!

Mammoth Mountain Ski Trip – Dec 2009

The first time I ever saw snow was when my Dad took me on a group bus trip to Mammoth Mountain to go skiing.  This was early 1980′s and I was 15.  We took some lessons and ever since then I’ve been hooked!  Here’s some old pics from that weekend.  (Note:  Throughout this blog you can click on each image for a larger version)

First ski trip with Dad circa 1980

Main Lodge at Mammoth circa 1980

Since then I’ve been back to Mammoth Mountain a number of times, plus Lake Tahoe, June Mountain and a wonderful trip to Copper Mountain in Colorado.  I even skied Rossendale in England in the Rossendale Valley just north of Manchester!

SKI ROSSENDALE! - Rawtenstall, UK 2001

In recent years though I’ve only managed to ski locally one or two days a season at Mountain High here in Los Angeles county which is only an hour and a half drive and perfect for a quick day trip.

Mountain High - Wrightwood, CA 2004

This year however, I decided to go back to my “ski roots” and booked a trip to Mammoth over Christmas week.  The last time I had been to Mammoth was 10 years ago.

My 80-yr old Dad joined me for this trip and it seemed like old times all over again, him and I, except that he wasn’t planning on doing any skiing.  Although he runs regularly and completes half marathons, he has an upcoming trip to attend the Australian Open and did not want to chance an injury beforehand.

So, we pack up the rental SUV and it’s a Road TRiiiiPPP!!

We head straight north through the Owens Valley for 4.5 hours and stop in Bishop for lunch

Raymond's Deli - Bishop, CA

And just in case you only wanted to use the facilities at Raymond’s…take heed…

Raymond's Deli toilet door - outside

Raymond's Deli toilet door - inside

Then it’s back on the road and …

US Highway 395 - Bishop, CA

Another 45 minutes later we arrive in Mammoth Lakes!

It snowed our first night and next day so Dad and I checked into the condo…

Crestview Condo

Crestview Condo

Dad

View from Condo

…went into town to stock up on groceries *cough!alcohol!* for the week…

Shopping center - Old Mammoth Road, Mammoth Lakes

…plus check out the nearest ski lodge facilities

Cloverleaf run - Canyon Lodge Base

Canyon Lodge reader board and chairlift conditions

We also spent some time checking out Mammoth Lakes’ newest outdoor mall “The Village”

Steps to The Village at Mammoth Lakes

Dad enjoying Fire-pit at The Village in Mammoth Lakes

Christmas Tree at The Village in Mammoth Lakes

No fake snow-flocking needed for this tree! ^^^^^

After the little storm passed the next three days were gorgeous blue skies and I skied my ever-lovin’ snow-bunny tail off!!  From the top of the mountain to the base and from one side to the other!

Top Of The Sierra - 11,053 ft

Top Of The Sierra and Upper Roadrunner run

View from Upper Roadrunner run beyond the ski area boundary

View from Upper Roadrunner run

Lower Roadrunner run

Lower Roadrunner run

Quicksilver run

Back For More run

Haven't The Foggiest run

And while shushing my way down the mountain I took time out for some other observations…

Santa, his Elf and the Woolly Mammoth

Can you spot Santa, his Elf and the Woolly Mammoth?

Snow tracks...

Catch a Tan ~ 40 degrees warm!

They're fillin' up!

View from Cloverleaf run of Canyon Lodge

And this pic below might take on a whole new meaning to chairlift operations after the new horror movie “Frozen” comes out in theaters!

Canyon Express Chair 16

In Theaters Feb 2010 – Frozen: A typical day on the slopes turns into a chilling nightmare for three ski/snowboarders when they get stranded on the chairlift before their last run.

Okay!  Well now’s not a good time to mention how very frequent the chairlifts DO stop and leave you hanging in mid-air!!

These next two pics show the same run from different vantage points.  Look for the RED “X” in each to see where I was standing for the alternate pic!

View down from Solitude run

Looking up Solitude run

My favorite Après-ski activity is the jacuzzi and boy did I need it every day!!  My leg muscles were like jelly and also tender from the pressure points of the ski boots.  The condo complex had not one, but two! incredibly HOT jacuzzis!  They were both outdoors and afforded some fantastic views of snow and pine trees.

View from Jacuzzi #1

View from Jacuzzi #2

Did I mention they were hot?  Can you imagine having to sit out of the Jacuzzi for a spell in upper 30 degree temps in order to cool off?!? After those jacuzzis it was more than my legs that were jelly…I was a complete noodle!

My second favorite Après-ski activity is drinking!!  I mean those wonderful warming drinks like Jägermeister shots, Irish Coffee with whipped cream or hot Apple Cider with cloves, cinnamon and spiked with rum!!  Ahh, what’s the next level after ‘noodle’?  Utter Bliss!

Well Christmas is over and so is the Mammoth trip.  My dad and I pack up the SUV with more groceries than what we brought and head back down into the Owens Valley and home.   There is a fantastic Scenic Vista point just outside of Mammoth that is amazing.  Here’s some pics…

"Owens Valley – Extending from Bishop south for 100 miles. The valley was inhabited by indians for many years. Joseph Walker in 1833 was the first white man to discover the valley. In 1845 John O. Fremont named the valley, a river and a lake, after Richard Owens an army captain in his expedition to this area."

Owens Valley - East

Owens Valley - South

Owens Valley - West

And in closing, here’s my attempt at splicing all three pics together into a panorama… click on the image for larger version!

Panoramic view of Owens Valley

Happy New Year 2010 everyone! ;-D

Meeting Lisa and Chance: Lake Cabin Adventures in Branson, MO – (Part II)

[See also "Branson Tales" Blog by PK TECH GURL]

Whenever I travel I look for opportunities to meet online friends and this time was no exception! When I knew I was going to be in Branson, MO for my Dad’s 80^th Birthday, I also hoped that I’d have a chance to meet online friend Lisa (PK TECH GURL) for the first time!  Lisa lives in the neighboring state of Kansas from Missouri.  She is a fellow fan of actor John Simm (circa Doctor Who) and who, fortunately for me, was willing to meet me as well!

Lisa had the great idea that she and her 5 year old son Chance, would travel to Branson, MO in the beautiful Ozarks region for their vacation and we would have a couple days to hang out before I flew back home.  A friend of Lisa’s recommended we check out getting a lakeside cabin where we could take her son fishing! Well, I’m totally game for that! Nice one!

So we meet at the Blue Haven Resort on Lake Taneycomo in Branson, MO and it was perfectly quaint! But the first thing I was anticipating to see was Lisa’s car with personalized plates that say “Led Zep”.  Well darn it, she drove a rental car down!!!  Hhmmpff 

OK fine, we’ll start with a pic of the cabin then! Here we go!

And this is how far we were from the Lake and boat dock.

The first afternoon we went to the pool that still had a fully functional old-fashioned slide!  Helloo!?! You don’t see one of those “liabilities begging for a lawsuit” anymore! (sorry no pic…the lawyers confiscated it )

Later back at the cabin, we were struggling with the cooling features (or lack thereof) of both the A/C and the Fridge.  How hard could that be?  Well here’s a Pop Quiz–

A/C POLL: Which # setting is “Colder”…No. 1 or No. 6?

Fridge POLL: If the dial is already set to the “Colder” setting but the ice cubes are turning to water, do you simply turn the dial 360 degrees, arriving back where you started at the “Colder” setting… Yes or No?

Lisa got the A/C going and I got the Fridge going… Yay, Girl POWER!!

Mornings on the lake were absolutely gorgeous!!  Here’s a few favs

On our first morning we rent a motor boat and go “fishing”.  This is in quotes because we had no pretensions of actually catching any fish between us on this lovely trout-stocked cold water lake.

Lisa’s son was all set with a nifty “SpongeBob SquarePants” fishing pole, plus we had another “adult” pole that Lisa brought.

The day started out gloriously hot and sunny,  sunscreen, shades and hats required (for our unbeknownst “~3 hour tour~”  )

Some pics of Lake Taneycomo

But later after trolling on the lake awhile, clouds start building and light rain began to fall…

but we were not concerned…yet.

Well then it quickly turned into buckets of rain 

and we high-tailed our way back to the Blue Haven Resort.  But before we got there, the thunder and lightening increased to the point where Lisa suggested we take refuge at a covered dock along the way.

It wasn’t long before we were joined by another rain-soaked couple docking for some shelter from the T-Storm. Of course I’d picked the worst place to dock the boat…right under the dock’s roof run-off, which sent double the amount of rain water into the open boat.  About an hour later and after bailing out the boat twice…

Post-bailing!  Note bailing tools – blue bucket and there’s also a red Spider Man box for the tight spots

…finally we made a break for it back to the Blue Haven Resort, dried off and went into downtown historic Branson for dinner!

In addition to our little T-Storm boat adventure we spent the two days relaxing, talking and little bit of shopping in town.

Oh, and of course how about the wildlife sightings!!

Ducks

Geese

Mink
(sighted in the evenings only – sorry no pic)

Great Blue Herons

Turtle (and another Great Blue Heron)

After a last morning visit to shop in historic downtown Branson, I said goodbye to my new wonderful personal friends, Lisa and Chance!

Ha-Ha!  But wait!  When Lisa got back home to Kansas she sent me a pic of her car’s license plate!!  Lisa, how many folks in Kansas know what a TARDIS is? 

And in closing, I would like to finish with this beautiful scene captured while fishing on Lake Taneycomo of my beautiful dear friends on a most MEMORABLE day I won’t soon forget!

P.S. Lisa, I’m terribly sorry I …um, steered us into that dock! DOH!!  Let me make it up to you, perhaps another fishing trip someday?

Step-Dad’s 70th B-day Bash in Laughlin

It was my step-Dad’s 70th Birthday Bash last Saturday. Us 3 kids – myself, my step-sister Theresa and step-brother Danny had treated our Mom and Dad to a 3-day, 2-night train ride in the Grand Canyon earlier that week. Then, for the weekend, the entire immediate family, plus my Aunt and Uncle all met in Laughlin, NV to celebrate at Harrah’s.

First off though, I had to indulge in my standard practice when travelling, a spa treatment. This time it was a deep-tissue Massage and a Pedicure. Ah, blisss!!! 

Here’s a pic from my hotel room at Harrah’s overlooking the Colorado River. Ok, is it just me or should this be called the Colorado Stream? I hope it’s more impressive up river, like through the Grand Canyon or something. Someday I’ll have to check it out.

For the party on Saturday night we had a fab dinner at a Mexican Cantina and afterwards we celebrated with a cake…

…and special sombrero for the Birthday Boy!

The next morning we all met up again for breakfast and proved that there is Life after a 70th Birthday Bash!! And I was informed repeatedly by family members that my camera flash is too bright and that I can adjust the setting. But honestly, why would I want to do that?

After that there was still time on Sunday before heading home… for a few MORE hours of gambling. I am happy to report that I withdrew a wopping $37.00!! from Laughlin playing Roulette and Craps. I was down $4.00 in Roulette overall (actually more than that at one point until I landed a number straight up with two chips on…for a sweet $70.00 payout), I then made a little more at the Craps table. And thanks to Heidi my sis-in-law and newfound wonderful Craps buddy!!!

So as all good weekends must, it was time to end this one. I had packed some special tunes for the drive. It’s 4 hr 45 min through the high desert and 2 of those hours heading in and out of Laughlin are a straight shot on Interstate 40 and dreadfully boring…

So here’s the music that carried me through to Laughlin, Nevada…and back.

Artist: Prodigy
Album: Experience
Title: Charly (Trip Into Drum and Bass Version)

Artist: Orchestral Manoeuvres In the Dark
Album: Dazzle Ships (Bonus Track Version)
Title: Radio Waves

Artist:Echo & The Bunnymen
Album: Siberia
Title: Stormy Weather

Artist: Echo & The Bunnymen
Album: Flowers
Title: King of Kings

Belly Dancers and a Guinness World Record Act

I got the call this past Saturday from my step-brother, Danny. His wife Heidi was having a birthday celebration Sunday evening at a place called “Olympia Banquet Hall” in The Valley. It started at 7 pm and included dinner and a belly dancing show. I said,”Sure thing, I’ll be there”…beyond that I had no expectations…

WELL, I had the most extraordinary evening! The food was Greek and delicious, but I hardly ate because I was snapping pictures and taking videos every five seconds!! The event was officially called the “13th Annual Halloween Belly Dance Extravaganza” and was hosted by Anisa’s School of Dance. Here are some pics:

Celeste

Elisheva

Kamaal

Between the featured dancing was a costume contest. Here are some of the contestants!

First up…your basic dick

VP Republican Nominee Palin…

…with her reverse message

King Tut and Cleopatra

Popeye and Olive Oyl

Umm, yeah…no red-eye flash effect here!

Now for some short belly dancers videos.

If you want to learn more about each dancer, their impressive backgrounds, schooling and awards…check the detail section for each video (on YouTube).

Angelika Nemeth

The Inimitable Helena Vlahos

After Helena danced we were treated to a spectacular and incredible performance called, the “Nine Quarters Act”. Helena has an extraordinary ability and is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for “Unique Abdominal Dexterity”. She has been on several Television shows, including “That’s Incredible” and “Spectacular World of Guinness Records”.

Helena Vlahos’ Guinness World Record Nine Quarters Act

I never would have thought on Saturday when I said I would attend my sister-in-law’s birthday celebration that I would end up that Sunday evening on my knees…on a dance floor…recording a woman’s undulating belly from just a couple feet away. But OMG this is by far the best thing I have ever captured on video….thank you Helena, besides seeing your beautiful dance performance, I am grateful to have witnessed your amazing abdominal dexterity!

Who goes to Pittsburgh? And is 42 too old to learn your family history for the first time?

Why go to Pittsburgh? Although I’d never been there before it sure didn’t seem like a destination of choice for March. And can a city have a more un-enticing name?

Well, it’s where my dad is from. My dad grew up near Pittsburgh, PA but left for California during his twenties. He’s now semi-retired and moved to Las Vegas. My half sister Kim, lives with her son Grant in Kansas City, MO. I’ve only seen them a few times. My dad wanted us all to meet up in Pittsburgh so that we could get reacquainted with his sister (my Aunt Jane) and my cousin Bob. I had heard of them over the years but had never connected with them. I learn later that I was about seven when I last saw them. Kim also had not been in touch with them.

Arrival
I arrive in the evening. Right off the plane and straight to dinner to meet up with everyone at a local restaurant, Wow, I’ve not been with so many of my blood relatives…EVER!! This hits me a few more times over the weekend…here I am with my true family ties and yet, other than my dad…I barely know them!

Day 1
Aunt Jane, Dad, Kim, Grant and I drive around visiting all the homes that my dad and his sister lived in growing up. I begin to feel like a Real Estate agent happily jumping out of the car to snap pics of about half a dozen homes in the neighborhoods that spanned their childhood.

Aunt Jane and my dad in front of the house where my dad was born in 1929

We also visit the cemetery where my ancestors are buried! Wow! Later, when I read my family history that Aunt Jane wrote, I learned that my Great-Great-Grandfather Andrew “H”, was born in 1850 in Rathfryland, County Down, Northern Ireland and arrived in the United States in 1872. Sheesh, here I am in my forties and just now learning my family history on my dad’s side for the first time. I’ll put this in more perspective by adding that both my mom and her sister were adopted, so on my mom’s side I have no family history. This is why it is so exciting for me to learn family history on my dad’s side.

My Great-Great Grandparents who emigrated from Northern Ireland in 1872

My Great Grandfather

My Grandparents

During the tour of Dad and Aunt Jane’s childhood homes we see the billiard parlour where Dad worked during his late teens (he still shoots a killer game of pool which I unwittingly discovered a few years ago after suggesting we spend an afternoon together at a local pool hall in Santa Clarita).

Jester's Billiard Parlor - Charleroi, PA

This dog was in the backyard of one of the childhood homes we visited. Just a random pic of an awesome looking dog:

That night Kim and I went through loads of Aunt Jane’s old family pics. This is a digital shot of a print of my Grandmother Margaret:

My Grandma

Day 2
Next day Dad, Kim, Grant and I head to downtown Pittsburgh for some sightseeing with me in the front passenger seat partly navigating but mostly madly snapping pics through the front windshield of the car.

Liberty Tunnel, Downtown Pittsburgh

West End Bridge, Downtown Pittsburgh

We went to the Carnegie Science Center to see Bodies: The Exhibition. I’d seen the exhibit once in Las Vegas but this was the first time for Dad, Kim and Grant. Absolutely enthralling, don’t miss it when it comes to your area.

Leaving the exhibit…Joy of Joys!!! It’s lightly snowing!!! Yipeee!! Next stop the Duquesne Incline. My Dad had never been on this growing up so it’s a first for all of us.

The Duquesne Incline

We get to the top and I freeze my hand trying to manage snapping pics from the observation deck. Actually I was well prepared for the weather with tall boots, long wool coat, gloves and scarves. Me, the native Californian was the warmest of us all!

View of Downtown Pittsburgh and Fort Pitt Bridge from the observation deck of The Duquesne Incline

Here’s a vid going back down the Incline. Boring really, except for the little girl next to me providing riveting in-depth commentary. Be sure to hold out for her shocking reveal when the uphill car passes us. Classic kid stuff.

Later, everyone meets for dinner at cousin Bob’s (and his wife Diane) home. They have an absolutely beautiful house with a finished basement and wine closet, plus a fantastic upper deck overlooking their wooded area out back, with…wait for it….TURKEYS!! Apparently turkeys will fly to get up to the bird feeders atop tall poles (accessorized with raccoon guards). I was too late to see turkeys on the feeder but we spot a few later on the ground amongst the trees and even saw about 4 deer walking through the area (twice!) sigh…

Here’s a vid of the turkeys:

After dinner we set the camera up for a group photo:

(L-R) me, Dad, Aunt Jane, Bob, Diane, Grant, Kim

Day 3
It’s Easter Sunday!! We’ve booked an Easter Dinner Cruise for us four (Dad, Kim, Grant and I). Entertainment was provided by The Bobby Short Trio. I took a vid of one of their songs but the buffet tables were in front which didn’t really appeal to me during playback. So just a pic:

The Bobby Short Trio

I just love cruises, especially to take pics of downtown areas. You get the perfect foreground of water with the buildings completely spread out before you. Chicago and London are other great cities to view from the water.

Downtown Pittsburgh

Smithfield Street Bridge, Downtown Pittsburgh

It’s about this time that I realize that Pittsburgh is a fantastic destination, despite the name! How awesome is this view!

Point State Park and Downtown Pittsburgh

After the dinner cruise, my dad wants to visit where he went to college some fifty odd years ago. So the four of us invade the University of Pittsburgh campus and specifically, The Cathedral of Learning. The Cathedral of Learning, a historic landmark, is the second-tallest education building in the world, 42 stories and 535 feet tall. Likewise, it is not an easy building to get in one frame without standing in the street. Here, I finally get lucky with a corner shot:

The Cathedral of Learning, University of Pittsburgh

We go inside to the “Commons Room”. It’s as quiet as a library…shsshh:

Commons Room - Cathedral of Learning, University of Pittsburgh

Dad heads straight for the far corner where he says that he and his buddies used to hang out back in the day, and who…were not as quiet back then!

Grant and his Grandpa in the Commons Room, The Cathedral of Learning

While in the University gift shop we learn that there are eight classrooms open to the public on the 3rd floor that have been converted into “Nationality Rooms“.

Nationality Rooms, University of Pittsburgh

We head up there and I was delighted at such an unexpected treasure trove of sights. You can take a virtual tour of ALL the Nationality Rooms online. Here’s just a few examples.

The Austrian Room - Nationality Rooms, University of Pittsburgh

The Japanese Room - Nationality Rooms, University of Pittsburgh

The African Heritage Room - Nationality Rooms, University of Pittsburgh

And that’s my trip! Dad, Kim, Grant and I headed to the airport 6 am the next morning for Dad’s flight which was first out, Kim’s was next and I flew out mid afternoon. That meant I got to spend most the day at the airport. Two meals, plus extensive window shopping and non-eventful flight later and I was quite knackered by the time I got back home. But what a fabulous time I had!

Can YOU make a HALF TON Dance?

Watch this specatular performance by horse and rider!

As a horse person it nearly brings me to tears and gives me chills for the beauty of it. The music also provides a surreal touch.

Non-horsey people you WILL enjoy! *Please*, I encourage you to watch this vid to their sensational finish…YOU can NOT be dissapointed!!